Global Releaf Search

Lower Rio Grande National Wildlife Refuge #10

Year Planted: 2006Trees Planted: 250,894Location: Texas

The Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV) National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) follows the last 275 river miles of the Rio Grande. Both the Central and Mississippi flyways funnel through the southern tip of Texas, and many species of birds reach their extreme northernmost range here. In addition, subtropic, temperate, coastal, and desert influences converge at this juncture, creating an ideal situation for species diversity. Considered one of the most biologically diverse NWRs in the continental United States, LRGV represents 11 distinct biotic communities that are host or home to 1,100 types of plants, 700 vertebrate species (including 484 bird species), and more than 300 species of butterflies. In 2003 AMERICAN FORESTS' Global ReLeaf program will continue restoration efforts on the Lower Rio Grand Valley National Wildlife Refuge. Less than 5 percent of this unique ecosystem remains, and planting approximately 30,000 seedlings will increase habitat for endangered species such as the ocelot, jaguarundi, aplomado falcon, red-headed parrot, and indigo snake.